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An inaugural meeting has been held with Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and her southern counterpart the Minister for Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport Eamon Ryan TD.The bilateral meeting in Dublin followed the first North South Ministerial Council meeting in quite a few years.
Following the meeting Minister Mallon said she was committed to the Narrow Water Bridge as well as furthering greenway development as part of what she said was about "seizing our chance for change and delivering the infrastructure needed to improve connectivity and grow the all island economy"
Speaking after their meeting Nichola Mallon said “I was delighted to meet with Minister Ryan today in Dublin to discuss how we can work collaboratively, in partnership across our island. In particular, Minister Ryan and I agreed that we have shared priorities, including delivering cleaner, greener sustainable transport, that transforms communities and enhances our island economy.
“This is a really important time for Ireland. We are facing huge challenges from the covid pandemic, the Brexit crisis and the climate emergency, working together is no longer a choice but an absolute necessity for all of our communities.
“Today, at the NSMC I made it clear to colleagues that I am committed to working with partners across these islands. It is really positive to see Government formation in both parts of our island, we now must deliver for our communities on our shared future, our shared economy and our shared opportunity for transforming lives of all our citizens. For my part, I am committed to seizing our chance for change and delivering the infrastructure needed to improve connectivity and grow the all island economy, including the A5, Narrow Water Bridge and the Ulster Canal.
“I also was pleased to hear at first hand from Minister Ryan about the Greenways Strategy for the South. We now have both Ministers North and South - announcing substantial investment pots to deliver greenways across Ireland. I too am committed to seeing further greenway development across our island, as safe places for active travel, driving healthier living, cutting emissions and opening up our tourism potential.”
